Independent challenging Norcross is off the ballot
Austin Johnson’s petitions fall short of 250 signatures
By David Wildstein, June 09 2026 11:32 am
An independent candidate for Congress in New Jersey’s 1st district has been tossed from the ballot after an administrative law judge found that Austin Johnson failed to obtain the required 250 signatures on his nominating petition.
That sets up a head-to-head contest between Rep. Donald Norcross (D-Camden) and Republican Damon Galdo.
Johnson had filed with 328 signatures the slogan “For the People Party.” His candidacy appeared doomed when 69 of those signatures came from individuals outside the 1st district. He ended his candidacy after Administrative Law Judge Nicole Minutoli brought the number of valid signatures down to 245.
The challenge was brought by Bridget Bray, a regular challenger of petitions for people opposing candidates endorsed by the Camden County Democratic organization, where she is executive director. She was represented by Michael Watson, a partner at Brown & Connery, …